Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Edappadi K. Palaniswami released the State’s forest policy
The norms stipulated by the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, would be strictly enforced to preserve the existing forest cover for ecological security.
The Forest department would also develop mangroves in the state as 'bio-shield' along the coast
The policy also looks to increase forest and tree cover to at least 30% by 2025 and enhance participation of women in village forest committees (VFCs).
Tamil Nadu has about 30.92% of the forest declared as 'protected areas' and has 15 wildlife sanctuaries, five National parks, 15 bird sanctuaries, three biosphere reserves, four project tiger areas.